Three-time Masaza Cup champions Buddu FC have had a tough start this edition, however some individuals have raised the team to keep the dream of winning the championship alive.
Among them, midfielder Pius Ssebulime has had an outstanding campaign so far, making himself the backbone of the team.
Buddu needed a 2-1 home win over Buluuli in the last group stages game and Ssebulime netted the second goal that helped Buddu to advance to the quarterfinals.
The side coached by Simon Peter Mugerwa finished second behind unbeaten Buweekula in Masengere group, on the last day to make it to the quarterfinals.
The former Express Soccer Academy midfielder is one of the few players in the Buddu FC’s squad who can play more than three positions, making him the most needed and impactful player at the team.
Throughout all the upsets Buddu has had so far, Ssebulime has always stepped in to lift the team to keep going.
Ssebulime have so far scored 4 goals and registered 4 assists in 9 games despite being fielded in the defensive positions, and this has proved that he’ll be needed to be at his best if Buddu FC is to achieve their target.
Simon Peter Mugerwa the head coach of Buddu, had a strong midfield before arguably his best players Joel Sserunjogi and Godfrey Ssekibengo joined Uganda Premier League sides KCCA FC and URA FC respectively.
The departure of Sserunjogi and Ssekibengo, added more responsibilities to players like Ssebulime and he has at times carried the team on his shoulders to storm the quarterfinals.
Speaking to Nnalubaale Sports, the KCCA FC Junior Team graduate Ssebulime, revealed what’s behind his incredible performance and his targets.
“I am a hardworking player who listens to the coaches and play according to their tactics, we have been working as one family on the pitch which helped me to perform well.” He revealed what’s behind his good performances.
“Playing for Buddu, you have to give your best to win games and lift the trophy and that’s our only target this campaign. I also want to have an impressive tournament to get a good topflight club,” concluded Ssebulime.
Buddu will visit Kyaddondo this Saturday in the first leg of quarterfinals at Homesdallen Playground, the home of Kyaddondo.
The two sides met in the group stages and Kyaddondo defeated Buddu 0-1 in Masaka before they shared spoils in a 1-all draw in the return leg in Kyaddondo.
Buddu strengthened their squad with the signing of 2023 Bika By’abaganda top scorer Shakib Mayanja and lethal striker Richard “Macheda” Ssonko ahead of the quarterfinals double header against Kyaddondo.
Buddu new signing Shakib Mayanja
2023 Masaza Cup football tournament- Quarter-finals (First Legs):
Saturday, 16th September:
Kyaddondo Vs Buddu (4 PM) – Homesdallen playground, Gayaza
Buvuma Vs Mawokota (3 PM) – Magyo playground
Sunday, 17th September:
Gomba Vs Ssingo (4 PM) – Kabulasoke PTC playground
Bulemeezi Vs Buweekula (4 PM) – Kasana playground, Luweero
Courtesy Photos
